• Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
We Are South Devon
Advertisement
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
No Result
View All Result
We Are South Devon
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

Torquay builders merchant giving tool theft advice following publication of hard-hitting report

We Are South Devon by We Are South Devon
October 27, 2022
in Community News
Torquay builders merchant giving tool theft advice following publication of hard-hitting report

Man with Black Gloves, Balaclava and Screwdriver Trying to Steal a Car. Robbery Concept.

Following the publication of a report indicating that four out of five people working in the trades sector have experienced tool theft at an average cost of £4,470 per tradesperson, RGB Building Supplies is giving advice on what can be done to help protect expensive equipment.

The report was commissioned by insurance company Simply Business and On The Tools. Simply Business has been petitioning the government for tighter regulation on the selling of second-hand tools. A Bill proposing a requirement for those selling used tools online to show serial numbers was presented to the House of Commons in April 2021.

RelatedPosts

Devon MPs unite to call for dental improvements

Man dies following collision in hospital car park

Help the NHS in Devon this bank holiday weekend

Mike Curtis, Branch Manager at RGB Torquay, commented: “It may sound obvious, but builders, carpenters, roofers, plumbers and bricklayers can’t work without their tools. As the construction industry has by far the largest number of self-employed workers of any sector, being the victim of tool theft can cause a double whammy of a financial hit – tradespeople can’t work, so lose out on the money they need to earn to replace the tools.

“RGB supports the work that Simply Business is doing to improve regulation, but it is yet to come into law. A tradesperson’s tool kit is expensive, so we wanted to help support our customers’ livelihoods by providing advice and highlighting some gadgets that can help to protect against theft.”

Ensure tools are marked

As the report indicated that only 1% of tradespeople recovered their stolen tools, marking tools can deter theft, make it more difficult for stolen equipment to be sold on, and help reunite tools with their owners.

Mike said:

“We have previously worked with Devon and Cornwall Police to hold tool-marking events at RGB branches. They suggested marking the tools with a house number and postcode using a UV pen, by etching, engraving or using a specialist tool-marking kit, which can last for five years.”

Add additional locks to vans

Adding additional deadlocks and hook locks to a van can act as a preventative measure, as they make it harder for criminals to gain access. Deadlocks are extremely difficult to pick because they don’t have springs in the locking mechanisms.

Fit a secure tool safe

Another preventative measure is to install a lockable tool safe in a van. Tools can be locked away in the safe, and as it’s securely bolted to the floor of the van, a criminal cannot simply carry the safe away.

Protect tools with insurance

The majority of insurance companies offer dedicated tool insurance specifically for tradespeople. Whilst the insurance doesn’t stop the inconvenience of being victim of a theft, it does provide peace of mind that the value of a loss will be covered.

Retrofit van alarms

There are a number of van alarm systems on the market, such as the Smart 360 Cube, Van Guardian and Vanolarm, which can be retrofitted. As well as providing an audible alarm when a van is broken into, many use tracking and smart technology to send alerts to mobile phones.

Park a van carefully

It’s wise to park a van in a well-lit area, as this will act as a deterrent, and try to use an area that is covered by CCTV. Tradespeople can also make use of walls and hedges to help block doors from being opened.

Mike Curtis concluded:

“We all know that removing tools from a van overnight is perhaps the best theft deterrent. However, thieves don’t just target vans. The report indicated that one in 10 people had tools and equipment stolen from their homes and garages, so we would also suggest adding extra locks and security to wherever tools are stored when they are not being kept in a van.”

You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.

Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Contact us

Related Posts

Community News

Devon MPs unite to call for dental improvements

May 23, 2025
Community News

Man dies following collision in hospital car park

May 23, 2025
Community News

Help the NHS in Devon this bank holiday weekend

May 23, 2025
Community News

Lib Dem MP Caroline Voaden slams Government’s 12-year extension of EU-UK fisheries deal in blow to South Devon

May 22, 2025
Community News

Torbay winter fuel campaigners welcome Starmer U-turn

May 22, 2025
Community News

English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Festival 2025

May 21, 2025
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

© 2023 We Are South Devon Brought to you by Griffiths Networking

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

© 2023 We Are South Devon Brought to you by Griffiths Networking